Fall is upon us, and it's the time to start planning for those ultimate comfort foods! If you're like me, comfort food is something that I enjoy all year round, but there is something about the prospect of cooler weather on the horizon that makes these dishes that much tastier! Let us dig into just a handful of my favorite comfort foods in the Springfield-area!
Prairie Pie
Comfort food can come in many different forms, but one dish remains the same after all these years: Chicken Pot Pie! When craving that hearty chicken and vegetable-filled pie, head to downtown Springfield and enter Prairie Pie. The pot pie is filled with shredded chicken, carrots, onions, celery, peas, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The buttery pie crust is filled and baked until golden brown. These pot pies are the ultimate comfort food; you can pair them with a side salad to get even more veggies in your diet!
Address: 307 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield
JW’s Kitchen
When it’s a Sunday morning, and you want to relax, be lazy and enjoy some breakfast or brunch that comforts the soul, head to JW’s Kitchen, and order the Full English! This is a large plate of breakfast staples and some items you might not have tried in your breakfast arsenal. Enjoy bacon, sausage, crispy potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, eggs, a roasted tomato, toast, and, you guessed it, beans! Smother those beans in the toast and eggs for the whole experience!
Address: 2144 E. Republic Road B-101, Springfield
Mama G’s Kitchen Downtown
The moment I walked into Mama G’s downtown location and took in the sights, sounds, and smells, I knew I was in for a treat! The menu has just about anything you could dream about eating, but there was one dish that I knew I wanted immediately: the fried catfish! This dish has two hand-breaded catfish filets, two sides, and your choice of bread. The collard greens and macaroni and cheese are a must-order. The greens are earthy and meaty and have just a bite of vinegar. The macaroni and cheese are super cheesy and rich, the perfect pairing for the crispy, flaky catfish.
Address: 210 S. Market Ave. Suite 124, Springfield
TT’s Southern Cooking
A short trip to the town of Bolivar, and you will find some of the best Cajun comfort food in the 417; I’m talking about TT’s Southern Cooking! TT’s is a food truck that serves southern dishes that taste good and have a gorgeous presentation! The Boudin Balls are large and in charge. They are fried until golden brown and super crispy while the inside stays moist and tender. Three of these boudin balls, and you are ready for nap time! Watch their menu; if you see they are serving the seafood gumbo, order it! A super hearty bowl of gumbo with a large tail-on shrimp, it’s rich, hearty, and sticks right to your ribs well!
Address: 910 E. San Martin St., Bolivar
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